Bigger Fines Can Save Wildlife

May 2, 1986|By White

The Florida Wildlife Federation wants poachers and other violators of game and boating laws to help support endangered species. The idea is simple: Increase fines by $25 or 15 percent, whichever is higher, then spend the extra money to protect the Everglades mink, the Key deer, the gopher tortoise and the rest of Florida's vanishing wildlife.

It's a way to raise $200,000 a year needed for endangered species. Without this money, the state won't even have enough dollars to figure out what needs to be done to protect Florida's endangered plants and animals. And that's just the first step toward ensuring their survival.

What's more, this method would be painless -- except to the lawbreakers. Legislators wouldn't have to raise taxes or take money from other worthy projects.

But lawmakers don't seem to have much interest in spending any more dollars for endangered species. Instead, they are headed toward approving the same amount of funding as this year. That's not enough.

According to the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, about $200,000 more is needed to protect endangered species. And that's a conservative estimate. The Wildlife Federation believes the state should spend $1 million more. For now, however, it would be happy with a more modest amount.

The problem is that the federation didn't approach the Legislature soon enough to have a bill introduced in time for this session -- its chief lobbyist became ill. That means that the only way legislators can consider the proposal is through an amendment to some other bill. It's worth the extra trouble.

Florida has 530 plants and animals threatened with extinction -- more than any other state. Making those who disregard game and boating laws pay more to help preserve this priceless heritage is the least the Legislature could do.